We know that metaphors unconsciously impact people’s thoughts and behavior. (For example, even innocuous-sounding metaphors like “fighting cancer” can affect how patients approach their treatment and how they view themselves – perhaps a less belligerent term would be more constructive).

What do you think of this metaphor of ISIS as a noxious plant? Is it accurate? If policy-makers conceptualize ISIS as a noxious plant, how might that affect our response to the ISIS threat?